Watch local films on Netflix this Merdeka!

Writer: Naseem Randhawa

This Merdeka, what better way to spend the long weekend by watching the best of our local films on Netflix in the comfort of our very homes?

"Bebas Bersama Netflix" is an initiative by the streaming platform to offer Malaysian content not only for the nation, but also globally, with 10 titles currently ready to watch anywhere, anytime!

From popular action films to award winning titles - want to know what are the local films available on Netflix at the moment?

Here's the list:

"Polis Evo"

This popular Ghaz Abu Bakar action film which took the nation by storm and was once the country's highest grossing film, made RM17.8 million in box office sales. It stars Shaheizy Sam, Zizan Razak and Nora Danish in the lead roles and is basically a buddy cop action comedy film in the likes of the "Bad Boys" films. The story follows a well-mannered local cop who teams up with a bad-ass cop to bring down a drug kingpin in the city of KL.

"Polis Evo 2"

Zizan Razak and Shaheizy Sam reprise their bantering cop roles and this time faces a new mission in the form of taking down a terrorist who has taken an entire village hostage. Outperforming the first film, the sequel made RM20 million in box office sales.

"Fly By Night"

This commendable effort by filmmaker Zahir Omar with screenplay by Dain Said, Ivan Yeo and Frederick Bailey, was well-received at international film festivals, but sadly the same can't be said when it was finally released in cinemas here. Starring Sunny Pang, Fabian Loo, Eric Chen, Jack Tan and Bront Palarae, the film follows the journey of four taxi drivers who extort money from passengers, until one day, things go horribly wrong, setting a determined inspector on a hunt for them. Says Bront, "I am happy that "Fly By Night" is now available on Netflix.. to the Malaysians who missed our theatrical run earlier this year, this is a perfect opportunity to catch the film." Well, we couldn't have said it better ourselves!

"Till Death: Azalea's Wrath"

Or known locally as "Dendam Azalea", this Malay movie is Netflix's first original local horror is released exclusively only on the streaming platform! Sein Qudsi's second horror feature (after "Bangunan" 2015) stars Khir Rahman, Vanidah Imran and Nam Ron as the story follows a couple who have just lost their child during birth. They then move to a new place hoping to put the past behind them, but new horrors await them in a house that has more secrets than it seems.

"Munafik 2"

To date, this Syamsul Yusof film is the highest grossing local film in the country at RM37.7 million collected at the box office. Starring Syamsul himself and Maya Karin, this time exorcist Ustaz Adam must rescue a single mom possesed by evilin this religous themed Malay horror film. Fizz Fairuz, Nasir Bilal Khan, Fauzi Nawawi, Mawi, Rahim Razali and Indonesian actress, Weni Panca also star in this horror blockbuster.

"Hantu Kak Limah"

With horror, comedy, or horror-comedy being the choice of Malaysian's favourite movie genre, it's no surprise that "Hantu Kak Limah" is on the list. This threequel follows the residents of Kampung Pisang who are haunted by Kak Limah's spirit. The Mamat Khalid film stars Awie, Zul Ariffin, Delimawati and Uqasha Senrose.

"Paskal"

If you're not a fan of horror then you'll be glad to find "Paskal" on Netflix. This action packed military thriller directed by Adrian Teh was a surprise hit in the cinemas, with praises going to the storyline and the great action sequence that are rather impressive for a local film. Inspired by Malaysia's very own special operations unit within the Royal Malaysian Navy called Paskal (Pasukan Khas Laut), the film stars Hairul Azreen, Ammar Alfian, Namron, Eizlan Yusof, Henley Hii, Taufiq Hanafi, Gambit Saifullah, Theeban G, Hafizul Kamal, Jasmine Suraya Chin, Amerul Affendi and Tiger Chen Hu.

"Pulang"

A heart-warming film for all-ages, "Pulang" is inspired by a true story and chronicles a love story that spanned decades. Kabir Bhatia directs this film starring Remy Ishak, Puteri Aishah, Erwin Dawson, Azrel Ismail, Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan, and Alvin Wong.

"Jagat"

The only local Malaysian Indian film on this list deserves your watch as Shanjey Kumar Perumal's coming-of-age story has won awards at our local Festival Filem Malaysia. It captures the struggles faced by a poverty stricken Indian family seen through the eyes of their young son who is constantly divided over doing the right thing, or succumbing to a life of crime to survive.

"Crossroads: One Two Jaga"

Every Malaysian should watch this film. Not only does it highlight difficult issues like racism, violence, and systemic corruption within our country, it also features a decent storyline and great actors to boot. After all, this Namron directed film starring Zahiril Adzim, Bront Palarae and Ario Bayu, nabbed six awards at this year's Malaysia Film Festival. Psst, we also hear this version on Netflix is an uncensored one...